What is a Cat?

 What is a Cat?

Gentle eyes

that see so much, paws that have

the quiet touch.

Purrs to signal

"all is well" and show more love

than words can tell.

Graceful movements

touched with pride, a calming presence

by our side.

A friendship

that will last and grow - small wonder

why we love them so.

Author Unknown

 Simone

This past Thursday our cat Simone went missing, we put her out as usual in the morning and after last being seen in a paddock by the house she wondered off never to return. 

Simone had been with us for eight years arriving home from the race track one evening with my wife “ only going to be here tonight” she said, Evelyn knew I was not keen on another house cat “ I’ll find a home for her tomorrow, but tonight she need to be feed every hour ” she said holding the helpless motherless little kitten that was so small she fit on the palm of her hand.  What could I say, defeated I was by my wife’s big sad eyes and this cute needy little fur ball, so I said “ she stays, she will be my cat and I get to name her " 

Now I have to explain, it’s not that I’m an Oger but in order to avoid having a house full of furry critters I have to be very vigilant with my wife, she truly has a heart of gold and will rescue any creature in need and bring it home!!. So we have a rule, rescue yes, bring home no, but rules are meant to be broken, therefore I stand guard, Simone got past me, sly cat !!!

This cute tiny kitten somehow grew and grew and grew some more, and by two years of age was almost perfectly round, I am not sure if it was totally genetic or brought on by my wife’s generous feeding, after all I myself am starting to get quite round after indulging in her generous portions at dinner time  !!!! 

Simone was a marvelous kitten but a troublesome cat, and we had constant battles with her about numerous issues, cats can be that way, it’s there prerogative after all , we don't own them they own us !!. 

And then this summer she got sick, and slowly changed, she got quiet and careful, her eyesight failing her, her kidneys too. I don’t think she was in pain, rather just not well. She insisted in going out every morning, would sit on the Muskoka chair contemplating life as cats do, and then usually disappear into the greenery until evening. 

We have searched and searched , called and called but no Simone, I’d like to think she knew her time was up and that she wondered off to one of her favorite spots to curl up and leave us. I know, I’m a dreamer but the thought comforts me when I look for answers that are just not there.